The recovery of Ryan Shazier is one of the most inspirational stories in recent sports history. The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker was nearly paralyzed after delivering a big hit in a game against the Bengals, and there was a chance he might never be able to walk again.
But Shazier has been adamant that not only would he make a full recovery, but that he wanted to one day play again in the NFL. After undergoing spinal stabilization surgery in December of 2017, Shazier has provided regular updates on his progress. Today, he shared a video on Instagram of him running with his young son, per Bryan Deardo of 247 Sports.
The video shows Shazier moving around pretty nimbly, which is a great sign. When Shazier first appeared in public, he was still in a wheelchair and had a hard time walking. Shazier continues to insist he's working on a return to the field, but Steelers brass has already said that won't come in 2019.
However, the team is keeping him under contract so that he can remain around the team. He'll be in the facility for the 2019 season, and will operate as somewhat of a coach. While Shazier's health and wellbeing is obviously the most important thing, Pittsburgh has been sorely missing his presence on the field.
Shazier, a first round pick out of Ohio State back in 2014, became an immediate star with the Steelers and made the Pro Bowl each of his last two seasons in the league.
Their linebacking corps went way downhill after Shazier was hurt, and their run defense has declined without him. But some things are bigger than football, and it's awesome to just be able to watch him having fun with his son and getting his life back to normal again.
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